Maintaining an H relationship

[papertiger]

Please focus on the title of this thread rather than each other, TY

If you find it very hard to ignore certain people, please feel free in adding them to your 'Ignore' list.

For advice on how to obtain a B/K/C please go to the reading room in the Reading Room The Newbie's HOW DO I GET A BIRKIN (or other bag) Reading Room

For advice on how to shop at your local store please do a search in Hermes Shopping sub-forum and look for your store/region/country.

 

[Westlady]

Hoping that someone would be able to offer some insight on my latest experience. I have been shopping at Hermes for the past 8+ years and mostly have shopped with SA in a store out of state. Prior to Covid, I traveled weekly and developed a great relationship with a SA and the entire team out of state. Often flying to this store to pick up Quota bags, I have bought several quota bags and a SO from this location. Due to Covid, I started shopping at the Hermes in my city also. I have built a nice relationship with a SA and have been very transparent that I usually would shop/fly to this specific store as my SA would offer me items off my wishlist. During the holidays we were discussing bags on my wishlist, and I let her know that my SA advised me that she would not be able to get any of them by the end of the year. (I had one quota bag left) The SA in my city told me that she could probably get me one, and although shopping in 2 stores is a unique situation-everyone understands due to Covid things are different. She asked me to call my SA and let her know that they could probably get me a bag off my wishlist and ask if it was ok. My SA out of state was amazing and said if she can get what you want--go for it--we just want you to be happy. I passed along the info to my in-state SA like she asked me to do, and she told me once she got in a bag she would call the other SA to give her a "heads up". I assumed that if she was asking me to call my SA that she had a bag in mind-or that an offer would come by the end of the year. I followed up and she said that unfortunately there was low inventory (we all have heard that one before). I have easily spent 1:1 with the in state SA, but found it very strange that she would have me contact my out of state SA and then not offer me a bag. Would you continue to shop with the in state SA? Do you think it is strange she had me call my other SA? Has this happened to anyone else?

 

[acrowcounted]

Hoping that someone would be able to offer some insight on my latest experience. I have been shopping at Hermes for the past 8+ years and mostly have shopped with SA in a store out of state. Prior to Covid, I traveled weekly and developed a great relationship with a SA and the entire team out of state. Often flying to this store to pick up Quota bags, I have bought several quota bags and a SO from this location. Due to Covid, I started shopping at the Hermes in my city also. I have built a nice relationship with a SA and have been very transparent that I usually would shop/fly to this specific store as my SA would offer me items off my wishlist. During the holidays we were discussing bags on my wishlist, and I let her know that my SA advised me that she would not be able to get any of them by the end of the year. (I had one quota bag left) The SA in my city told me that she could probably get me one, and although shopping in 2 stores is a unique situation-everyone understands due to Covid things are different. She asked me to call my SA and let her know that they could probably get me a bag off my wishlist and ask if it was ok. My SA out of state was amazing and said if she can get what you want--go for it--we just want you to be happy. I passed along the info to my in-state SA like she asked me to do, and she told me once she got in a bag she would call the other SA to give her a "heads up". I assumed that if she was asking me to call my SA that she had a bag in mind-or that an offer would come by the end of the year. I followed up and she said that unfortunately there was low inventory (we all have heard that one before). I have easily spent 1:1 with the in state SA, but found it very strange that she would have me contact my out of state SA and then not offer me a bag. Would you continue to shop with the in state SA? Do you think it is strange she had me call my other SA? Has this happened to anyone else?

Sounds to me like the in state SA had you call the out of state SA and announce yourself as an in state store customer going forward. Covid or no Covid, the travel state store won’t look happily on you shopping elsewhere (regardless of what they say to your face) and it will affect your bag offers at the travel store. I would cease shopping at the distant store and continue solely with the local store as the damage has already been done to the far store and continuing with both will likely only hurt you at both. Good luck.

 

[880]

If I request something, my SA will get it for me without further discussion until it comes in. I think you can assume your SA is working on it if you've made a request.

agree with this! Where I am located, my SA can only be in store twice a week (due to covid rotation) and it’s difficult for them right now. So, I make sure to give him plenty of time to find stuff. Even pre covid, I only ask to see stuff I intend to buy. But, I’m not a fan of shopping so much as purchasing

@acrowcounted, I loved your post on the chances of getting a quota bag and agree that if you taught an H 101 course that I would take it! Even though your examples of shopper 1-4 reminded me uncomfortably of the LSAT I took decades ago

To the TPFer who posted about having both in state and out of state H SAs, i agree with @WhiteBus below. IMO you should shop with whomever you feel most comfortable. When I started with H in 2008, I shopped with both H Madison (my neighborhood store) and Wall st, but clicked best with Wall St, s9 ended up there. today, I shop with H Madison bc I clicked with an SA there, (Helps that my current SA knew my former SA before she left and is a long standing, pretty laid back SA). It didn’t have anything to do with which SA could get me a quota bag within a time frame though. I found when I developed the relationship, quota bag offers followed.

and lol re H RTW being for the elderly! I find some designs a bit mature, but I adore my sellier H bomber jacket

 

[WhiteBus]

Hoping that someone would be able to offer some insight on my latest experience. I have been shopping at Hermes for the past 8+ years and mostly have shopped with SA in a store out of state. Prior to Covid, I traveled weekly and developed a great relationship with a SA and the entire team out of state. Often flying to this store to pick up Quota bags, I have bought several quota bags and a SO from this location. Due to Covid, I started shopping at the Hermes in my city also. I have built a nice relationship with a SA and have been very transparent that I usually would shop/fly to this specific store as my SA would offer me items off my wishlist. During the holidays we were discussing bags on my wishlist, and I let her know that my SA advised me that she would not be able to get any of them by the end of the year. (I had one quota bag left) The SA in my city told me that she could probably get me one, and although shopping in 2 stores is a unique situation-everyone understands due to Covid things are different. She asked me to call my SA and let her know that they could probably get me a bag off my wishlist and ask if it was ok. My SA out of state was amazing and said if she can get what you want--go for it--we just want you to be happy. I passed along the info to my in-state SA like she asked me to do, and she told me once she got in a bag she would call the other SA to give her a "heads up". I assumed that if she was asking me to call my SA that she had a bag in mind-or that an offer would come by the end of the year. I followed up and she said that unfortunately there was low inventory (we all have heard that one before). I have easily spent 1:1 with the in state SA, but found it very strange that she would have me contact my out of state SA and then not offer me a bag. Would you continue to shop with the in state SA? Do you think it is strange she had me call my other SA? Has this happened to anyone else?

Too much thinking. Your custom is being welcomed at both store because you present yourself as being a genuine Hermes enthusiast. There seems to be some attempt at sensible collaboration between the stores to avoid both working to source the same item. Just ask if what you what you want is going to be available to you soon. Decide on your course of action in the light of that response.

 

[Ethengdurst]

Can I just say, I watched one of these unboxing videos in YouTube wherein the youtuber said she didn’t spend much and just “clicked” with the SA, and it’s highly suspicious... cos whenever I ask for a particular bag the SA will need to check with the SM first if she can offer me the bag. Or if the SA calls beforehand to offer me a bag, that means she already got approval. I highly doubt that any SA will plead with their SM to give a quota bag to a customer they just met without prior history/big purchases, what benefit will that be for the SA? No matter if they become instant bffs. Especially if these bags offered are the popular sizes/colors. Unless maybe there’s a special circumstance, like maybe a push present or anniversary gift, but then again, nowadays, it’s still very rare. Maybe if they’re bigger sizes or less popular colors. And then these YTubers act all humble and pretend that they didn’t mention they have a YouTube channel. Not hating if that’s their hustle in life, but it’s annoying how misleading they can be. And how it affects those who are building their H profile, spending 1:1 or 1:2 and not getting the offers they want. Ok thanks for letting me rant.

 

[Babypooh777]

Can I just say, I watched one of these unboxing videos in YouTube wherein the youtuber said she didn’t spend much and just “clicked” with the SA, and it’s highly suspicious... cos whenever I ask for a particular bag the SA will need to check with the SM first if she can offer me the bag. Or if the SA calls beforehand to offer me a bag, that means she already got approval. I highly doubt that any SA will plead with their SM to give a quota bag to a customer they just met without prior history/big purchases, what benefit will that be for the SA? No matter if they become instant bffs. Especially if these bags offered are the popular sizes/colors. Unless maybe there’s a special circumstance, like maybe a push present or anniversary gift, but then again, nowadays, it’s still very rare. Maybe if they’re bigger sizes or less popular colors. And then these YTubers act all humble and pretend that they didn’t mention they have a YouTube channel. Not hating if that’s their hustle in life, but it’s annoying how misleading they can be. And how it affects those who are building their H profile, spending 1:1 or 1:2 and not getting the offers they want. Ok thanks for letting me rant.

I have a feeling that the SA probably recognized these influencers from the get go. Or they searched for their name and see if they have significant subscribers/followers. I think it's a marketing strategy - similar to other brands giving free products for these influencers to review. Can you imagine how many new potential clients that would start shopping at Hermes in hope to become this "lucky"? Unfortunately this hurts us the regular spender who are still waiting for our bag. Or am I thinking too much? Okay I'm gonna stop now

 

[closetluxe]

I have a feeling that the SA probably recognized these influencers from the get go. Or they searched for their name and see if they have significant subscribers/followers. I think it's a marketing strategy - similar to other brands giving free products for these influencers to review. Can you imagine how many new potential clients that would start shopping at Hermes in hope to become this "lucky"? Unfortunately this hurts us the regular spender who are still waiting for our bag. Or am I thinking too much? Okay I'm gonna stop now

What you say makes sense. We must be missing something. It can't be that easy to score a bag. We all know that.

 

[acrowcounted]

I think its important to once again remember that even if there is some kind of spending threshold (1:1, or what have you) it is still only relevant to having the SM approve your SA's recommendation that you be offered X bag. You'll want to make sure that your profile is "healthy" enough to be approved by the SM and to "beat" any other recommended candidates, but the real kick-off event for any bag offer is having your SA propose you for the bag. If your SA isn't feeling you for whatever reason, you could spend until the cows come home and still have your SA decide not to put your name forward for any item. Conversely, if you strike a unique repertoire with your SA, they may be wiling to fight for you despite a lesser profile. It is an art, not an equation.

 

[Tykhe]

I think luck has a lot to do with it. If you happen to walk in on a day when they got a big shipment, they might just offer it to walk-ins. I got a quota bag as a walk in this year. It is something that rarely happens though. I own tons of Hermes merchandise that are not bags except I usually purchase abroad. I got offered a quota bag as a walk in with no purchase history recently at my home store.

 

[closetluxe]

I think luck has a lot to do with it. If you happen to walk in on a day when they got a big shipment, they might just offer it to walk-ins. I got a quota bag as a walk in this year. It is something that rarely happens though. I own tons of Hermes merchandise that are not bags except I usually purchase abroad. I got offered a quota bag as a walk in with no purchase history recently at my home store.

What did you get? What did you buy that day to even get the offer? Did you just walk in and ask for one or were you buying something else and oh by the way...
That's amazing by the way and congrats!

 

[momoc]

Many others already said the following in this thread, but I'd just like to also say it one more time for the people who have not heard it...

There is always a possibility that someone sharing online is "conveniently" omitting things. I mean, I know for a fact some people who post about what they "score" at my store do so, and it generates trouble and headache for the SAs (because others will see those posts thinking "OMG why can't I get that", go in and interrogate their SA with said posts / screenshots, when in reality the posters conveniently left out however much they spent before...)

Are there people who get lucky for whatever reason? Of course! And I'm very happy for anyone who does (wishing you good luck if you are hoping to be lucky). But who is more likely to share their stories online - the ones who got lucky and are (rightfully) ecstatic about it, or the many others who did not? (See: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Survivorship_bias ) By the way, it's not like there aren't posts from people who spent like 3:1 and didn't get a bag they wanted...

It is so cliche at this point but really we repeat these because these are ultimately the (only) good advice to give:
- Only buy what you love & don't feel pressured. But of course, be polite, be considerate about certain things such as shopping online / at other stores in the same country (if you know your SA/SM is someone who minds these things, it depends), asking for transfers to store (which can be a lot of work and your SA/store has to trade for said item)...and so on. BUT ultimately you are the customer, spending your money, therefore -
- Work with your SA, but if you think your styles do not match / you are not happy / you feel like being taken advantage of etc..then of course you can switch. This is also why we recommend that you may want to try out a couple different SAs before confirming which one you want to work with long-term.
- And yes, keep in mind that the answer to so many questions will be "it depends", because it often really just does! Some countries are now switching to a purely waiting system, take advantage of it if that's where you are located / can get to. For other places, if you are looking for just a Birkin and are not open at all to explore other H offerings, boutique shopping is likely just not for you.

Let me just end with a sentence my SA has told me too "don't believe everything you read online"!

 

[Tykhe]

What did you get? What did you buy that day to even get the offer? Did you just walk in and ask for one or were you buying something else and oh by the way...
That's amazing by the way and congrats!

I got a kelly 28, I didn't buy anything else that day. I just walked in and asked for it.

We were going to buy some other things but we were running late for dinner. So, I just asked for one thing and I got it.

Anyway, this is not something that commonly happens. I've spent over 10k (multiple times over) on non-leather goods all over the world and never got any b/k. For some reason, my husband likes to buy hermes men's stuff only when we're on vacation and we never really seriously pursued a quota bag before. This year, we started going to our home store and we liked it a lot. I guess we will dedicating our spending to this store from now on. And my husband was like "wow, just think of all the stuff we bought all over the world, if we only bought it here, we could have gotten invited to VIP parties!"

My husband is a sucker for parties where he can wear all his crazy Men's RTW. I'm really happy that we finally found an SA that he really hit it off with.

 

[closetluxe]

Something tells me more quotas will be coming your way. Congrats again!

I got a kelly 28, I didn't buy anything else that day. I just walked in and asked for it.

We were going to buy some other things but we were running late for dinner. So, I just asked for one thing and I got it.

Anyway, this is not something that commonly happens. I've spent over 10k (multiple times over) on non-leather goods all over the world and never got any b/k. For some reason, my husband likes to buy hermes men's stuff only when we're on vacation and we never really seriously pursued a quota bag before. This year, we started going to our home store and we liked it a lot. I guess we will dedicating our spending to this store from now on. And my husband was like "wow, just think of all the stuff we bought all over the world, if we only bought it here, we could have gotten invited to VIP parties!"

My husband is a sucker for parties where he can wear all his crazy Men's RTW. I'm really happy that we finally found an SA that he really hit it off with.

 

[Tykhe]

Something tells me more quotas will be coming your way. Congrats again!

Hah hah thanks. My husband loves the shoes with winged horses on them. Unfortunately, just like at Chanel men’s shoes sell out really quickly.

My husband is wondering how much we need to spend before he can start hinting to our SA that he wants to be invited to Hermes parties. He doesn’t want quota bags, he just wants to show up after hours, drink cheap wine and make catty comments about what the other men are wearing.

 

[chicinthecity777]

Hah hah thanks. My husband loves the shoes with winged horses on them. Unfortunately, just like at Chanel men’s shoes sell out really quickly.

My husband is wondering how much we need to spend before he can start hinting to our SA that he wants to be invited to Hermes parties. He doesn’t want quota bags, he just wants to show up after hours, drink cheap wine and make catty comments about what the other men are wearing.

Hermes don't serve cheap wine at their parties.